King Flow : When did you start rapping ? At what age ?
Torae : I've been rapping since I was a kid. Honestly I couldn't tell you when I started.
KF : What are your biggest influences ?
T : I'm influenced by the culture. Dope music, fashion, language all of it. I'm a hip-hop baby so it's all part of me.
KF : Do you think that the actual music industry has a bad influence on the
new generation of hiphop fans ?
T : I think the lack of balance in the mainstream and the fact people put money over material is bad. As far as the fans I suppose the fans are in a good place, they're just not being given a large variety to choose from musically.
KF : I heard that labels wanted to stop the production of CD's very soon.
What do you think about that ?
T : I'm not surprised at some point everything phases out. 8 tracks, cassettes the vinyl market is very small I can see them doing away with physical CDs. The new generation is all about mp3's.
KF : How did you hook up with all the legendary producers that you've
worked with ? (DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Large Professor, etc)
T : Just by being out on the scene and making music that caught their attention. I've been active since 2006 with it so it was just years in the making. I knew who I wanted to work with on the album and fortunately enough I had those relationships when it was time to do the LP.
KF : What do you think about the social networks like Facebook and Twitter
? Do you use them a lot ?
T : Yeah I think social networking sites are cool to interact with your supporters around the world. I'm not so much for tweeting about my every move but I like that I can kick it with some one from across the world that's into my music.
KF : How can your fans contact you ?
T : Definitely the twitter @Torae. I'm responding to pretty much all my mentions.
KF : If you could teach one thing to the new generation of MC's, what will it be ?
T : Be genuine to yourself and to the art. Don't just get in it or do it for money. You won't have a long career like that.
KF : Now it's time for you to shout out your people, do your thing !
T : Shouts to all the supporters. The people that actually buy the music, come out to the shows & spread the word. I appreciate yall.
Shouts to all the incredible artists I've been able to work with and shouts to all the dope folk I have yet to link with. In due time. If you wanna get involved with the movement hit me up on twitter @torae on facebook.com/itstorae and on itstorae.com/blog. Love is love.
BUY "FOR THE RECORD" ON ITUNES NOW
Smif n Wessun, Torae et Skyzoo en concert a la Belleviloise a Paris le 12 décembre :
